When is Deer Hunting Season in New Brunswick (2025 Guide)

Preparation for a big game (deer) hunting season in New Brunswick is incumbent on understanding the specific dates, zones, and rules that mosiac the 2025 agenda. Here we break down everything hunters need to know ahead of time, season openings by Wildlife Management Zone and weapon, licensing details, Sunday hunting regulations and antlerless deer draw. You will also read about rut dates, nuisance control programs, and useful advice to help make your hunting adventures more enjoyable and successful.

Official Season Dates

The deer hunting season New Brunswick is based on WMZs and the type of weapon used. These divisions let hunters anticipate whether they are using a bow, firearm or muzzleloader. Knowing these official dates is a vital part of staying legal and increasing hunting success.

Archery Season Dates

In New Brunswick deer season, the first and longest opportunity in many zones is the bow hunt. It offers perhaps the best opportunity to time peak rut activity along with some of the laxest scheduling.

• WMZ 6-8 and 10-27 - 10/06/25 to 11/23/25.
• WMZs 1-3 – Oct. 6-Nov. 9 (antlered deer only).

Firearms Season Dates

Firearms seasons are a little shorter, and more specific than archery. Sportsmen should note this can change from year to year, so they don’t get themselves in an illegal situation.

• WMZs 6-8, and 10 through 27: Oct 27 Nov 23,2025.
• WMZs 1-3: Oct. 27-Nov. 9 (antlered deer only).

Muzzleloader Season Dates

The deer hunting season New Brunswick is also a special one with its muzzleloader portion. This brief yet rewarding season caters to hunters who prefer traditional firearm techniques as WMZs 6, 10 and 15-27, November 24 to November 30

Closed Zones

There are still areas that effectively remain hunting free as part of conservation and population management. What zones are not open is just as important as what is open. The WMZs 4, 5 and 9 are closed through the end of 2025.

Powering Your Hunt With the BLUETTI Apex 300

Whether you’re in the field during deer hunting season New Brunswick or anywhere else, power is a necessity for all your electronics gear from, GPSs and trail cameras to communications and cooler needs. The BLUETTI Apex 300 power station is a big, versatile, hunter-friendly power solution that is built to last the test of time. Featuring a 2,764.8Wh capacity and an impressive 3,840W continuous output, you cannot run out of power while camping in the backcountry or on long overland trips with several devices at once.

The BLUETTI Apex 300 versatility makes it great for trips, for days out on a hunt, or a day trip miles from the nearest gas station. The zero transfer time UPS provides instant power to your devices, smart eco saving mode maximizes energy efficiency-ideal for off-grid or weekend and camping tents.

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Special Conditions & Notable Regulations

If you are planning a hunt, it’s crucial to be familiar with the rules of deer hunting season New Brunswick. Those conditions range from Sunday hunting to the antlerless deer lottery rules and are about making sure hunters are following regulations, while also getting the most bang for their buck.

Sunday Hunting

One particularly unusual aspect of the 2025 New Brunswick deer hunting season is that Sunday Hunting will be somewhat legalized (allowed) between October 19 to December 28, 2025. This extension allows hunters a bit more leeway during the deer season, especially those with weekday demands. Sunday hunting (open zones, open weapon type) is always in addition to the season dates and license requirements. Check with local municipalities as hunting rules may change, and some areas might have more Sunday hunting restrictions.

Licensing and Draws for Antlerless Deer

The antlerless deer draw is another significant rule in the New Brunswick deer hunting season. It is a mechanism used to decide who can take does and fawns, so it’s important for anyone interested in getting access to additional deer-hunting areas.

• Applications will only be accepted from resident hunters who possess a valid Resident Deer and Game Bird licence.
• Applications open July 21, and close Aug. 15, 2025, online and in person.
• The draw is on 2nd September 2025.
• Only one WMZ can be requested.
• If the application is refused, the $4.60 (HST included) fee will not be refunded.
• Applicants drawn will receive an amended licence which will include Antlerless Deer Authorization.
• You can't hunt outside your prescribed WMZ or without provided authorization.

The quota for 2025 is 2,100 permits in WMZ 20 and some zones - such as WMZ 23 with up to a deer population level its pockets were bulging - have quotas of well over 2,200. On zones 1 through 5, no antlerless permits are available that correspond with the five hunting zones for ferreting where antlered bucks may be taken.

Non Resident hunters are limited to bucks only for all zones and do not enter in the antlerless draw. The system used for the draw will be a random, computerized lottery and hunters will be drawn based on the last two digits of their Resident Deer and Game Bird licence number. Be sure to apply early and be very careful with the instructions.

Wildlife Management Zone (WMZ) Maps

It’s imperative that you consult the WMZ boundary maps before hunting to prevent breaking the law. The government of New Brunswick also offers very specific maps via the "Hunt & Trap" guide and online interactive interfaces. Be sure to double check if the zone you’re in and the kind of licence you have apply before you venture out. WMZ lines also affect the placement of muzzleloader authorizations, and on which antlerless tags can be used. Therefore, careful planning is important.

Licensing Process & Requirements

If you wish to join the deer hunting season New Brunswick events, you must meet a few regulations such as age and residency. This guarantees regulation, safety and fairness throughout all hunting areas.

Residency and Age Requirements

You must be at least 12 years old to legally hunt during the New Brunswick deer hunting season. Residency status affects licence eligibility:

• They must have an ordinary resident's place of residence in New Brunswick as defined by the Fish and Wildlife Act.
• For non-residents proof of identity must be shown.

Outdoors Card and Tags

Hunters must buy an Outdoors Card in order to get a licence of any kind. You also need a tag for each license that you buy which is only for certain types of game like deer.

Licence Types and Draws

There are multiple types of licence for the deer hunting season New Brunswick:

• Licence for resident deer and game bird
• Non-resident Deer and Game Bird licence (bucks)
• Muzzleloader Season Permit (to be used in muzzleloader season)
• Migratory Game Bird Permits - for hunting waterfowl

In New Brunswick you need an antlerless draw to hunt antlerless.

Hunter Education Requirements

Hunters born after January 1, 1981 or if you have never previously held a hunting licence are required to complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (Part A) and a Hunter Education Course (Part B).

Bow and crossbow hunters are also required to successfully complete an approved Bowhunter Education Course. Hunters born prior to 1981 can substitute proof of past hunting licences instead of taking the course again.

The courses come in three flavours:

• 16+ hours of in-class education as traditionally taught in the classroom
• Care at home (Part B only, 18 years of age and older)
• Official online courses (Part B ONLY, 12 years or older)

In addition, hunters between the ages of 12 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult, while hunters from the ages of 16 to 17 need adult supervision if using centre-fire or rim-fire rifles with a. 23 or larger, or spring, gas operated, electro-magnetically operated shotgun.

Licence Purchase and Renewal

New Brunswick deer hunting season licences can be purchased online at New Brunswick’s Fish and Wildlife website, or from licensed vendors and Service New Brunswick locations.

Sales of licences are available via the internet at the Fish and Wildlife New Brunswick website, or licensed vendors and Service New Brunswick offices. Antlerless deer applications are due August 15th annually. Successful applicants need to reprint their licences with the antlerless authorization, at no cost online or by purchasing a new licence in person for a fee, before hunting.

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The Rutting Season

The deer hunting season New Brunswick is timed well to take advantage of the rut, when bucks are in the mating mode and tend to be active and less cautious. It is important to know this cycle, because it has a huge impact on how deer move, making it one of the best times to hunt.

Peak Rut Timing

The peak of the rut is from late October to mid or late November. The rut peak in southern New Brunswick will occur around November 26th, 2025. This is when bucks ratchet up activity, make more scrapes, rub trees and spend more time searching for does. Hunters who strategize well during the deer hunting season New Brunswick could profit from this behavioural change among deer.

Behavioural Impact on Hunting

Between testosterone flooding their system and the urge to pass on the boon of their genes, bucks throw caution and routine out the window. The result is some fantastic hunting once those deer become more visible and active. In an effort to increase your chances during the deer hunting season New Brunswick, scout rub lines and scrape areas along with surrounding feeding sites bucks are using during their rut induced frenzy.

Nuisance Deer Management Assistance Program (NDMAP)

Not only that, but beyond the rut hunters, property owners often face issues associated with settlement by deer. The NDMAP offers an organized way for dealing with these challenges during New Brunswick’s deer hunting season.

What is NDMAP?

NDMAP allows up to two antlerless deer per hunter to be taken on properties experiencing crop loss. The permits are intended to lower local deer populations humanely and legally, compensating farmers dealing with browsing pressure.

Application and Eligibility

Hunters and landowners must meet a series of special conditions to qualify:

• Applicants may apply between September 1, 18 and October 31, 2025.
• Applicants must meet the definition of a crop producer who is eligible for either Wildlife Damage Compensation or Mitigation.
• Properties would need to be more than 1 acre in size with legal hunting potential.
• The Department of Natural Resources assesses the site before permits are issued.
• Hunt within 100 meters of your neighbors dwelling (without archery permission).
• One permit is available per property, and the hunters are selected by the landowner.

Advantages

NDMAP permits are issued over and above regular bag limits to allow hunters to legally harvest a few more antlerless deer. The system is intended to help producers control deer safely and humanely, and provide some relief for other available employees.

Hunters must have a valid resident deer hunting licence to qualify. Deer that are taken must be registered officially.

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Top Tips For Getting The Most From Your Deer Hunting Season New Brunswick

Bear this in mind during the deer hunting season New Brunswick, to be able hunt with utmost satisfaction:

• Do verify season dates and quotas each year; by necessity, they can fluctuate due to population levels or management plans.
• You should always have your existing license and permits with you while hunting.
• Observe private property, hunting safety zones (including distance from discharge).
• Learn the local regs for Sunday hunting and gun restrictions.
• Hunters are reminded to register their harvested deer using the Big Game Registration system or at an in-person registration station.
• Tighten up your scouting and rut-focused tactics because, at this point, it’s all about playing the odds.
• Hunter education is not an elective; take it seriously as classes are educational and lifesaving.
• Arm yourself with practical gear and technical gadgets, including power packs for long days in the field.
• Get the Latest Information on Hunting Regulations, Meetings & Wildlife Management Changes

By following these guidelines you will make for a safe, conscientious, productive deer hunting season New Brunswick.

Powering Your Devices During Deer Hunting Season New Brunswick

For a seamless deer hunting season New Brunswick, the BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 power station keeps all your devices running and charged. At 4.3 kg, it is capable of a strong 288Wh capacity and 600W output power with an impressive surge capacity at up to 1,500W- ideal for getting battery chargers or small coolers running without issue. Its quiet power creates a gentle hum, about 30 dB at a 200W load, not audible 8 meters away, and it won’t disturb you or your family while sleeping so rest easy in rough conditions like when there’s no electricity.

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FAQs

What is the opening date of deer season in New Brunswick for 2025?

The first season is archery, which opens in most zones on October 6, 2025.

How can I get an antlerless deer hunting permit?

You will need to enter the year’s antlerless deer draw between July 21st and August 15, 2025 if drawn.

Am I able to hunt on Sunday during the 2025 season?

Yes, Sunday hunting is allowed from October 19 until December 28, 2025.

What kind of hunter education do I need?

Any hunter born after January 1, 1981, and any first-time hunter must take a Firearms Safety and Hunter Education course.

What is the Nuisance Deer Management Assistance Program?

A program in which agricultural producers can receive permits for more antlerless deer harvests to safely manage local populations.